Speech recognition technology has evolved from clunky early tools into powerful systems built into the devices we use every day. But for people with disabilities, these tools are far more than convenient; they can be life-changing.

In this episode, host Katie Samson traces the story of speech recognition through the lived experiences of Marcus Goldman, whose father with ALS used Dragon in its early days; physicist Jim Isenberg, who relies on Dragon after a spinal cord injury; and web developer Leah Mattern, who breaks down how design decisions impact user experience. Together, they explore the independence, frustrations, and opportunities that voice technology creates, and why inclusive design matters now more than ever.

Learn more about supporting people with disabilities in Tamman’s Learn Center and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

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What does true inclusion look like, at work, in policy, and in community? In this powerful LGBTQ+ Pride and Disability Pride Month episode, Devon Murphy shares his journey of coming out as a trans man, navigating life with Autism and ADHD, and finding support along the way. Host Kristen Witucki and Devon also unpack the current threats to Section 504 and why standing together matters now more than ever.

Learn more about supporting people with disabilities in Tamman’s Learn Center and stay connected with us on LinkedIn. PDF Transcript

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Show Notes:

• HHS Section 504: The official rule for Section 504 including the 2024 update
• Protect 504: Article 19 episode exploring the lawsuit questioning Section 504
• DREDF Protect 504: An informative overview of the lawsuit questioning Section 504

Events are an opportunity for connection and discovery, but for people with disabilities, they often present barriers that make participation exhausting or even impossible. Our hosts, Katie & Kristen, reflect on their recent experience at the 40th CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. From noisy hallways to heavy hotel doors, they break down what worked, what didn’t, and why accessible design starts with real-world feedback. Joined by accessibility designer and advocate with lived experience, Tiffany Burtin, they dive into event accessibility insights and planning strategies!

Learn more about supporting people with disabilities in Tamman’s Learn Center and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

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From healthcare to education to employment, this conversation goes beyond policy, it’s about people, their futures, and the fight to ensure accessibility remains a fundamental right. Joined by Theo W. Braddy, a lifelong disability advocate and leader, in this episode, we explore the real-life impact of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Theo shares his personal story and lived experience, unpacking the protections 504 provides, the barriers that still exist, and what’s at stake if these rights are weakened.

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PDF Transcript Show Notes:

• Protect 504: Article 19 episode that explores the legal side of this lawsuit with Alison Barkoff
• DREDF Protect 504: An informative overview of the lawsuit that could result in Section 504 being overturned, and clear direction on what you can do to protect it
• DREDF Protect 504 Plain Language: A plain language PDF version of the DREDF Protect 504 page
• HHS Section 504: The official rule for Section 504, including the 2024 update
• Texas v. Becerra: The official court document for the Texas v. Becerra case

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act has been a cornerstone of disability rights for over 50 years—so why is it under attack now?

In this special mini-sode, we are joined by Alison Barkoff, former head of HHS' Administration for Community Living and a lifelong disability advocate, to unpack the legal battle, the misinformation fueling it, and the action we need to take right now.

This isn’t a policy debate, it’s a fight for our rights, our healthcare, and our futures. PDF Transcript Web Transcript

Show Notes:

• DREDF Protect 504: An informative overview of the lawsuit which could result in Section 504 being overturned and clear direction on what you can do to protect it
• DREDF Protect 504 Plain Language: A plain language PDF version of the DREDF Protect 504 page
• HHS Section 504: The official rule for Section 504 including the 2024 update
• Texas v. Becerra: The official court document for the Texas v. Becerra case

Explore the everyday use of screen readers and discover the nuances of navigating inaccessible web pages. Host, Katie Samson dives into this topic with co-host Kristen Witucki, who shares her personal journey with assistive tech, and accessibility expert Dax Castro. this episode dives into how screen readers work, common misconceptions, and their role in creating inclusive digital spaces.

Stay connected and continue the conversation with us LinkedIn.

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Show Notes

• JAWS Screen Reader: Screen reader used by Kristen and the world's most popular screen reader
• NVDA Screen Reader: Screen reader used by Dax and is available to everyone for free
• Alt Text as Poetry: An artistic endeavor that reframes alt text as a type of poetry
• Article 19 Episode, 'Can AI See the World the Way We Do?': Joined by Vice-Chair of Be My Eyes, Bryan Bashin, and Tamman document accessibility specialist, Liza Grant, we explore the differences of alt text written by a trained human and AI and what the future of AI looks like for blind and low-vision individuals.
• Chax: Further connect with and learn from Dax and the Chax team
• Access Ingenuity: Screen Reader class mentioned by Dax
• Screen Reader DOS Computer Demo: YouTube video of Kristen's first Screen Reader

Accessibility, advocacy, and the intersection of inclusivity with arts and culture—we explore these topics and more with Tamman’s new Senior Director of Education, Katie Samson. Drawing on her lived and professional experiences, Katie shares insights on projects like Carolyn Lazard’s Long Take and emphasizes the importance of embedding access into creative practices. Ultimately, uncovering how collective access can drive meaningful change in the arts and beyond. Learn more about supporting people with disabilities in Tamman’s Learn Center and stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

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Show Notes:

• Carolyn Lazard: Long Take: Her debut solo exhibition in Philadelphia, Long Take continues Lazard’s ongoing experimentation with methodologies of access
• File/Life: An exhibit remembering the stories of Pennhurst
• Art Reach: A Philadelphia-based organization that creates, advocates for, and expands accessible opportunities in the arts so the full spectrum of society is served

Can we have true Democracy if voting isn’t accessible to everyone? Joined by Whitney Quesenberry, Rylin Rodgers, and Alexia Kemerling, professionals working on voting accessibility we discuss current barriers, what is being done to improve accessibility, and how voters, both with and without disabilities, can take action during the upcoming election.

Visit the resources below for more on this topic and stay connected with us LinkedIn.

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Meet Our Guests:

• Whitney Quesenberry is the director of the Center for Civic Design and worked on many accessible voting projects including the VVSG, the federal voting system standards
• Rylin Rodgers serves on Microsoft’s Accessibility Team as a Disability Policy Director. Influenced by her lived experience with disability, she strives to impact disability policy
• Alexia Kemerling leads the REV UP Campaign at the American Association of People with Disabilities. Influenced by her lived experience, she strives to build civic engagement in the disability community and improve election accessibility

Show Notes

• Accessible Voting: A guide to a private and independent voting experience:
• State Guides for Disabled Voters: Created by AAPD’s REV Up Campaign, these guides can be downloaded to support disabled voters
• The Center For Civic Design: Offering a plethora of resources for
• Bing How to Vote: A resource created by Microsoft to provide easy and accessible voting information
• NCAV: A guide for election administrators to making voting accessible for people with disabilities